Dear Update Readers,
Here is a report from The Garfield Country Church. To respond to Seth Wetherald, please send your message to dkjmdad@yahoo.com God is at work among us!
I would be very happy to hear how our churches can make a more "welcoming" presence in the community. Please read Seth's report.
B. Jones
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Fellow Pastors and Friends,
Easter Sunday was a wonderful occasion here at Garfield Country Church. We had 49 people with 15-16 of those being visitors. The church was quite full and I rejoiced to see so many new faces in the crowd.
God has been leading Heidi and I in miraculous ways to some people in our area. Just last week we out riding around the countryside. We noticed a "House for Sale" sign on one of the side dirt roads. We decided to see where the house was located. Well, we ended up driving for a long time until we reached the driveway that went up and back into the woods. I wasn't sure my old car would make it, but we finally did and found a nice house perched on a hill back in the trees. When Heidi met the lady that owned the house she was shocked that we were from that "church on Sharon Rd." She said that she and her husband had thought about coming to our church, but they weren't sure that a little country church would welcome them. And then we showed up at their door. It was certainly a miracle. We would never have found them if God would not have led us to explore down that road to find that house for sale.
Both the lady and her husband were in church Easter Sunday. God surely "works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform!" Praise the Lord! Pray for us as we continue to work with this couple and the other visitors that came.
In Christ,
Seth Wetherald
P.S. Does anyone know how to make our church more "open" and "welcoming" to the community? I sure would like some advice. I want people in our community to know they are welcome to come to church. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Seth
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Friday, March 25, 2005
Bible Methodist Global Prayer Meeting
Bible Methodist Global Prayer Meeting Saturday, March 26, 5:00 p.m. EST
How to Pray for Great Lakes:
- 1 Pray for Rev. Blake Jones and Rev. Dennis Johnson, conference leaders.
"To serve this present age, our calling to fulfill. Oh, may it all our powers engage to do our Master's will."
- 2 Pray for the pastors of our churches.
Each pastor, with the exception of Rev. Johnson, has children living at home. Nearly all the pastors have young children. Please pray that God will enable the parsonage children to personally "own" their family ministry and develop a strong outreach mentality. Also, pray that God will bless each parsonage family with grace until their holy and happy "family image" becomes a part of the presentation of the Gospel to their church and community. Pray that God will bless and strengthen the marriages of our pastors and their faithful wives.
- 3 Pray for the grace and strength to face intensified spiritual battles.
As God works among us, of course the enemy goes on high alert and doubles his forces. But were are more than overcomers through Christ! Our pastors need wisdom to counsel and strength to lead!
- 4 Pray for the Church Extension Committee as they seek a pastor for a new work in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
The Lepage family is desparately calling for assistance as they endeavor to plant a new work in Ontario. Pray that God will lead us to the right family to step into this wonderful and open field.
- 5 Pray for Easter Sunday's outreach in our churches.
As we seek to maximize this opportunity, may God add His blessing.
- 6 Pray for each of our churches.
1. For revival
2. For church health -- relationships, finances, acceptance, forgiveness, freedom from prejudice, prayer burden, excitement about our church, passion for people, love for children, honor for seniors...
3. For new contacts and growth
4. For carefulness to not drift from clear call to entire sanctification or the call to holy lifestyles until the Spirit is grieved and we have nothing to offer a needy world
5. For God's blessing to rest on each layman's home
GARFIELD COUNTRY CHURCH -Seth and Heidi Wetherald
EVART BIBLE METHODIST AND DAYSTAR ACADEMY -Daniel and Carol Hobbs
ROCK LAKE BIBLE METHODIST -Blake and Saundy Jones
-Brian and Lisa Bailey
GREENVILLE BIBLE METHODIST -Dennis and Joan Johnson
MUSKEGON/SPARTA BIBLE METHODIST -Jeff and Janell Sumner
CONCORD HILLTOP CHAPEL -Jon and Belinda Watters
-Tom Miller
VANDERCOOK BIBLE METHODIST -Chris and Esther Hilling
DAWN VALLEY BIBLE METHODIST -Joel and Jen Byer
STANTION BIBLE METHODIST MISSION -Scobie Faulkner
IRONWOOD BIBLE METHODIST -supplied by Chad Winter
- 7 Pray for our growing Missions awareness and involvement.
Brothers and Sisters, thank you for praying with us! We will be lifting you to the throne of grace!
Blake E. Jones
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Missions Report from John Parker
Dear Update Readers,
Here is a letter from Bro. Parker. God bless you all.
B. Jones
Dear Bible Methodist Missions Prayer Supporters and Friends:
Thank You for your prayer and financial support of Bible Methodist
Missions. Without you, we would be able to do nothing! Our
Missionaries, our Native Pastors, Teachers, Leaders and Church Planting
ministries would come to a halt without your prayers and finances. God
uses you to enable us to carry on in the great Whitened Harvest Fields!
THANK YOU!
I have just returned from visiting the work in South Africa. I went on
this trip sensing that we are at a critical crossroads in the work there.
I physically and emotionally battled Satan as I sat in the Airport in
Atlanta and on the planes going over to South Africa. Satan seems to be
having his way with this country. Evil is in full frontal assault on the
people, both black and white of the land. Tribal religions are again
being practiced, American immorality is our #1 export to them through our
wicked Movie and Music Industry. Multi Million Dollar Casinos are rising
in the midst of squalor and poverty to lure the people into the horrible
addictions and crime of the underworld of Gambling. The sex trades are
flourishing and Crime is totally out of control. To add to the
complexity, a people who are desperately looking for answers are being
swept up into the "Prosperity Gospel" of the Religious Super Stars of
the world to just "Think Positively, Claim Your Blessings, and Be
Happy!" Multiplied thousands are packing churches and stadiums to hear
the message of those who totally bypass the cross and assure the seekers
that they can go on living just as they live and enjoy the immunity of
Grace! Many are accepting the way of the "False Christs" who promise
Grace without the Cross! It is unquestionably the most depressing and
oppressing of situations. Many are giving up in despair on God,
Marriages, the Church and even their self-respect! Tensions are high in
relationships! Satan is sowing division and dissension within the
church!
I sent out a couple SOS's as I prepared to fly to South Africa for
special prayer. I know that many of you were praying for me! The Holy
Spirit, the Comforter, came alongside and made the difference.
Upon arriving in South Africa, I fulfilled a promise to our dear Bible
Methodist fellow missionary and friend, Pieter Marias and his dear wife
Hester and traveled down to visit the ministry they are leading for
H.I.M. in and near Lesotho. My driver and companion for this trip was
South African businessman and brother, Jacques Lucas, many of you met
when he came over for a visit in 2003. We were so blessed by what God is
doing in Lesotho. The services we shared in, the visits to the
churches, schools, clinic and villages truly challenged us. To hear the
dear Lesotho people sing and testify, and to share in the labor of love
the Marias and their co-laborers Philip Guise and the Gaults are doing
was truly inspiring. To hug and hold a group of little AIDS orphans in a
village and share in a ministry of love to them from the church there
moved me! We shared our desire to work alongside them in any way possible
in this great harvest field. Pray that God will enable us to be a
blessing to each other there.
As we traveled back to Middelburg, I shared with Jacques my increasing
conviction that God would order every step of our lives and every detail
if only we would desire it and be sensitive to His leadership. Without
sharing a lot of details, let me say that we discovered on that day in
several situations which could have only been of Divine providence, that
God is interested in ordering our lives to achieve maximum blessing to
our world. What a blessed day it was!
The remainder of the week was spent with the Pretorius family and the
Bible Methodist Ministry in Middelburg, SA. Home Bible studies, with
rooms crowded full of eager and hungry seekers for truth took a couple
evenings. There is always plenty of hot tea (with milk) accompanied by
the traditional Milk Tart (milk custard) and Scones (biscuits with
fillings) and other goodies..... and wonderful, warm, and gracious
fellowship. The Afrikaans people are wonderful. They've come through
such hardships and pain. They live in a terrifying world. Their hearts
are open to the message of holiness.
Sarel, Samuel and I accompanied a dear black pastor to a city about 20
miles away where he is planting a church in a very large "squatter (the
recent immigrants to South Africa from other neighboring African
countries who have nothing.... and settle in a place in "tin shacks")
Township" near Witbank, South Africa. I must say it was very unnerving
to me to travel after dark into an area that is known to be so hostile to
whites and feel that you were the only white people there. Again, I
believe that somewhere here at home someone was praying for us. The Holy
Spirit overshadowed us. The church was only a crude tent-like
arrangement against a tin house..... very small, and very crowded with
people who were dressed in their Sunday best for the visit of the
American. It was truly an honor to worship with them, though I am not
accustomed to the way they worship.... (VERY loud..... and Lively.....
and very LONG!) I preached a simple gospel message and then was asked to
pray for the people. They lined up and one by one came to be prayed for,
patiently waiting their turn. We can not comprehend the poverty, the
suffering or the circumstances of these dear people. May God burden our
hearts for this GREAT, VAST, WHITE HARVEST FIELD!
Saturday was a Day Convention on a large Afrikaans farm near Belfast, SA.
The large farmhouse was full of sincere hearted souls. The yard was
noisy and busy with the activities of the children. One of our dear
Bible Methodist lay preachers shared a very comprehensive seminar on the
evils of Television and it's influence in the home. He had his facts
together supported by charts, statistics, and specifics. Tea breaks
accompanied by all sorts of homemade goodies provided wonderful times of
fellowship throughout the morning. Lunch was served about 1pm and then I
spoke to the group on "How God Transforms Us" (the Process of
Sanctification) in the afternoon. Tear filled eyes, yearning
countenances, and notes taken assured me that the people were seriously
embracing the message.
Sunday was again designated a Holiness Convention at the church in
Middelburg. The house was full! Extra chairs had been brought in for the
day! I spoke at 9am from I Cor. 13 on "The Life of Love" (The Sanctified
Life) and at 11am on "Brokenness". A time of humbling, seeking and
brokenness followed the 11am service. God's presence was so real and
near. Many stayed to seek God and several sought reconciliation and
forgiveness of one another. This was such an answer to prayer! A
wonderful lunch was prepared and served to all at the Mission Residence.
This facility is wonderfully arranged and accommodating of these type
events. It is adequately large and affords a great place for fellowship.
We are truly blessed to have it! The 6pm service was not as well
attended, but God again helped as I spoke on Revival. A dear brother
who is a prominent attorney in Middelburg on Monday morning said to me as
I sat in his office...... "God met with us on Sunday!" I am sure that
it was only in answer to someone's prayers here at home! THANK YOU FOR
PRAYING!
Challenges in South Africa almost overwhelm me! Circumstances there are
so depressing! The needs are staggering! But God is at work in the
midst of it all! He has a plan! I want to seek and find His Agenda for
this great harvest field! Join me in praying the The LORD of Harvest
will SEND FORTH.... !! Here am I Lord...... Send Me!"
SEEKING HIS KINGDOM FIRST
John D. Parker - Bible Methodist Missions
Thank You for your prayer and financial support of Bible Methodist
Missions. Without you, we would be able to do nothing! Our
Missionaries, our Native Pastors, Teachers, Leaders and Church Planting
ministries would come to a halt without your prayers and finances. God
uses you to enable us to carry on in the great Whitened Harvest Fields!
THANK YOU!
I have just returned from visiting the work in South Africa. I went on
this trip sensing that we are at a critical crossroads in the work there.
I physically and emotionally battled Satan as I sat in the Airport in
Atlanta and on the planes going over to South Africa. Satan seems to be
having his way with this country. Evil is in full frontal assault on the
people, both black and white of the land. Tribal religions are again
being practiced, American immorality is our #1 export to them through our
wicked Movie and Music Industry. Multi Million Dollar Casinos are rising
in the midst of squalor and poverty to lure the people into the horrible
addictions and crime of the underworld of Gambling. The sex trades are
flourishing and Crime is totally out of control. To add to the
complexity, a people who are desperately looking for answers are being
swept up into the "Prosperity Gospel" of the Religious Super Stars of
the world to just "Think Positively, Claim Your Blessings, and Be
Happy!" Multiplied thousands are packing churches and stadiums to hear
the message of those who totally bypass the cross and assure the seekers
that they can go on living just as they live and enjoy the immunity of
Grace! Many are accepting the way of the "False Christs" who promise
Grace without the Cross! It is unquestionably the most depressing and
oppressing of situations. Many are giving up in despair on God,
Marriages, the Church and even their self-respect! Tensions are high in
relationships! Satan is sowing division and dissension within the
church!
I sent out a couple SOS's as I prepared to fly to South Africa for
special prayer. I know that many of you were praying for me! The Holy
Spirit, the Comforter, came alongside and made the difference.
Upon arriving in South Africa, I fulfilled a promise to our dear Bible
Methodist fellow missionary and friend, Pieter Marias and his dear wife
Hester and traveled down to visit the ministry they are leading for
H.I.M. in and near Lesotho. My driver and companion for this trip was
South African businessman and brother, Jacques Lucas, many of you met
when he came over for a visit in 2003. We were so blessed by what God is
doing in Lesotho. The services we shared in, the visits to the
churches, schools, clinic and villages truly challenged us. To hear the
dear Lesotho people sing and testify, and to share in the labor of love
the Marias and their co-laborers Philip Guise and the Gaults are doing
was truly inspiring. To hug and hold a group of little AIDS orphans in a
village and share in a ministry of love to them from the church there
moved me! We shared our desire to work alongside them in any way possible
in this great harvest field. Pray that God will enable us to be a
blessing to each other there.
As we traveled back to Middelburg, I shared with Jacques my increasing
conviction that God would order every step of our lives and every detail
if only we would desire it and be sensitive to His leadership. Without
sharing a lot of details, let me say that we discovered on that day in
several situations which could have only been of Divine providence, that
God is interested in ordering our lives to achieve maximum blessing to
our world. What a blessed day it was!
The remainder of the week was spent with the Pretorius family and the
Bible Methodist Ministry in Middelburg, SA. Home Bible studies, with
rooms crowded full of eager and hungry seekers for truth took a couple
evenings. There is always plenty of hot tea (with milk) accompanied by
the traditional Milk Tart (milk custard) and Scones (biscuits with
fillings) and other goodies..... and wonderful, warm, and gracious
fellowship. The Afrikaans people are wonderful. They've come through
such hardships and pain. They live in a terrifying world. Their hearts
are open to the message of holiness.
Sarel, Samuel and I accompanied a dear black pastor to a city about 20
miles away where he is planting a church in a very large "squatter (the
recent immigrants to South Africa from other neighboring African
countries who have nothing.... and settle in a place in "tin shacks")
Township" near Witbank, South Africa. I must say it was very unnerving
to me to travel after dark into an area that is known to be so hostile to
whites and feel that you were the only white people there. Again, I
believe that somewhere here at home someone was praying for us. The Holy
Spirit overshadowed us. The church was only a crude tent-like
arrangement against a tin house..... very small, and very crowded with
people who were dressed in their Sunday best for the visit of the
American. It was truly an honor to worship with them, though I am not
accustomed to the way they worship.... (VERY loud..... and Lively.....
and very LONG!) I preached a simple gospel message and then was asked to
pray for the people. They lined up and one by one came to be prayed for,
patiently waiting their turn. We can not comprehend the poverty, the
suffering or the circumstances of these dear people. May God burden our
hearts for this GREAT, VAST, WHITE HARVEST FIELD!
Saturday was a Day Convention on a large Afrikaans farm near Belfast, SA.
The large farmhouse was full of sincere hearted souls. The yard was
noisy and busy with the activities of the children. One of our dear
Bible Methodist lay preachers shared a very comprehensive seminar on the
evils of Television and it's influence in the home. He had his facts
together supported by charts, statistics, and specifics. Tea breaks
accompanied by all sorts of homemade goodies provided wonderful times of
fellowship throughout the morning. Lunch was served about 1pm and then I
spoke to the group on "How God Transforms Us" (the Process of
Sanctification) in the afternoon. Tear filled eyes, yearning
countenances, and notes taken assured me that the people were seriously
embracing the message.
Sunday was again designated a Holiness Convention at the church in
Middelburg. The house was full! Extra chairs had been brought in for the
day! I spoke at 9am from I Cor. 13 on "The Life of Love" (The Sanctified
Life) and at 11am on "Brokenness". A time of humbling, seeking and
brokenness followed the 11am service. God's presence was so real and
near. Many stayed to seek God and several sought reconciliation and
forgiveness of one another. This was such an answer to prayer! A
wonderful lunch was prepared and served to all at the Mission Residence.
This facility is wonderfully arranged and accommodating of these type
events. It is adequately large and affords a great place for fellowship.
We are truly blessed to have it! The 6pm service was not as well
attended, but God again helped as I spoke on Revival. A dear brother
who is a prominent attorney in Middelburg on Monday morning said to me as
I sat in his office...... "God met with us on Sunday!" I am sure that
it was only in answer to someone's prayers here at home! THANK YOU FOR
PRAYING!
Challenges in South Africa almost overwhelm me! Circumstances there are
so depressing! The needs are staggering! But God is at work in the
midst of it all! He has a plan! I want to seek and find His Agenda for
this great harvest field! Join me in praying the The LORD of Harvest
will SEND FORTH.... !! Here am I Lord...... Send Me!"
SEEKING HIS KINGDOM FIRST
John D. Parker - Bible Methodist Missions
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Older Blogs
Bible Methodist Global Prayer Meeting
We will join together as Bible Methodists around the throne of grace at one special time as designated below. Saturday afternoon for us will be Sunday morning for our Filipino church family. Let us lift our conferences, our churches, our leaders and our mission works to the Lord. This is a great privilege! Just think, we meet around one common mercy seat --- all at the same time! Please announce this and prepare a great prayer time for your church family.
Easter Weekend ---Saturday March 26
5pm EST
4pm CST & Mexico
12pm South Africa
5am Easter Sunday - Philippines
Bus and Outreach Convention
-March 8-10, 2005
-Union Bible College, Westfieild, Indiana
-A group of Great Lakes Conference pastors will be travelling to Westfield. We want to show our support when this great convention is brought to our area and, we want to glean new passion and tools for winning the lost. We will be sharing the cost of the gas money and a small donation to the people who are allowing us to use their home. PLEASE HELP YOUR PASTOR ATTEND THIS VERY IMPORTANT CONVENTION. We have minimized the cost as much as possible by traveling together and not using motels.
Around the Conference
-Pastor Brian Bailey has just returned from a tour to the Holy Land with a group from Hobe Sound. He has stories and more stories!!! I am looking forward to hearing him preach with the "I have been there" fire.
-Muskegon/Sparta church family are expecting to move to their new property in about a month. They have located a lovely home with a meeting room and acreage on the highway between Grand Rapids and Muskegon. Please pray that God will bless and impact their community.
-Pastor Tom Miller (Youth Pastor at Concord) has moved into his home, however, he is needing work. Please pray for his ministry and his family.
-Pastor Jon Watters has been asked to participate as a committee member for Heath and Sex Education Cirriculum. This committee will recommend the guidelines for Concord Public Schools K-12th grades. Presently the middle school is using Focus on the Family materials. Please lift Bro. Watters in prayer as he serves in this capacity.
-The Ironwood Church is enjoying the ministry of UBC ministerial students and the Lord has been blessing the services. Please pray for God's continued guidance.
-Pastor Seth Wetherald is getting aquainted with the Garfield family and community. For these winter months they have moved the midweek service into the parsonage. The Houghs are a great blessing and support during this transition time. It was our privilege to share in the installation service and, also, to honor the Houghs for their years of service.
-The newest parsonage babies are doing well -- little miss Byer at Dawn Valley, and young master Hilling at Vandercook.
-Please pray for the Lepages and the challenge of a pioneer work in Sault Ste. Marie. We are in critical need of God's leadership.
Conference Trustee Meeting
-March 12, 2005 --- 10 a.m. at the camp ground -members ---Dennis Johnson (Chairman), Blake Jones, George Kelley, Dewey Murray, Paul Derscheid, Nate Burley, John Langstaff.
Campmeeting 2005
July 15-24 -Evangelist -Dr. Wingrove Taylor -Rev. Jack Hooker
-Song Evangelist --due to a cancellation we are still working with this.
-REGISTRAR -Rev. Chris Hilling -PH 517-784-3074
The Conference Executive Committee met to prepare the list of campmeeting workers. The following is that list. Please contact Conference President, Blake Jones, if you are not able to fulfill the duty assigned to you.
Registrar -Rev. Chris Hilling
Prayer Leader -Dr. Linda Kelley
Prayer and Praise -Rev. Mike Hobbs (Sunday 9-10 a.m.)
Camp Ground Co-ord. -Mr. Paul Derscheid
Office Manager -Rev. Daniel Hobbs
Youth Leader -Mr. Doug Derscheid
Cook -Mrs. Janene Emery
Cook's Asst -appointed by cook
Breakfast Cook -Mrs. Kandee Rodgers
Trailer Placement -Rev. Brian Bailey
Camp Maintenance -Mr. Albert Lowe, Mr Dale Beardslee, Mr. Steven George
Sanitation -Mr. and Mrs. Mike Gilbert
Tabernacle Custodian -Mr. Daniel Troyer
Hospitality Com. -Mrs. Brenda Tiede, Mrs. Theresa Lepage
Camp Nurse -Mrs. Carolyn Wilson
Head Ushers -Rev. Jon Watters, Rev. Joel Byer, Rev. Steven Oliver
Greeters -Rev. Kim Hough, Rev. Brian Bailey
PA and Duplication -Rev. Jeff Sumner, Mr. Harry Dove
Dining Hall Hospitality -Rev. and Mrs. Seth Wetherald
Dining Hall Co-ordinators -Mr. and Mrs. Ron McCormick, Mr. and Mrs. Nate Burley
Snack Bar -Mr. and Mrs. Dave Witten
Night Man -Mr. Dan Drake, Rev. Tom Miller, Doug Tiede
Personal Schedule
Saundy and I were privileged to fly to Tacoma, Washington, for an eleven day indoor camp. We have known the camp leaders, Rev. and Mrs. Paul Taylor for some time. It was a wonderful delight to be with them and to meet many new friends. We enjoyed the transparency and love of these dear people. It was a joy that Saundy and I will not soon forget. After the camp we visited the Seatle market and Mt. Rainier. Wow!!!!!l
After returning to Michigan, we hurried up to Seth and Heidi's to get Kenny and Derek. Saundy had been pretty homesick halfway through our stay. Then it was time to prepare for Marriage Matters in Sugarcreek, Ohio. We were to share in the final presentation of those two rich days. Our assignment was Marriage by Design -- Designed to Last. I had prepared a Powerpoint presentation and Saundy and I shared the speaking part. The Lord helped us.
After the Marriage Retreat we drove down to Cincinnati to get Cherie for her Winter Break. We were traveling home late on Friday evening when the fuel pump on the car died near Bowling Green. So... after nearly a couple of hours we were taken to a nearby motel and waited for the car to be repaired the next day. We were back on the road about two o'clock Saturday afternoon and headed for Michigan. The Lord blessed our day at Rock Lake on Sunday.
This Sunday I will be visiting the Greenville. A heavy snowfall cancelled my visit of a few weeks ago.
Let's move up close to the Lord. In cell group at Rock Lake last night, Bro. Card mentioned that he had heard Dr. Brown say that the scriptural terminology for what we call "cooling off", etc, is really that of "hardening our hearts". May the God of heaven help us to keep our hearts tender and sensitive to His nudges and checks.
God bless you all!
Blake and Saundy Jones
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Latest Update
January 25, 2005
Dear Update family,
Saundy and I will be flying to Washington for a camp meeting that will go over the next two Sundays. We will leave on Wednesday, January 26 and return on Wednesday, February 9th. As the Lord reminds you of us, please ask the Lord for His anointing to rest upon us as I preach and we do some singing.
Thank you for your support and participation in this ministry. God bless you.
Blake and Saundy Jones
January 18, 2005
Blake Jones, Conference President
bejones@nethawk.com Ph. (989) 427-3178
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brrrrrr!!! Wow, it is rather chilly! We returned yesterday from Garfield where Seth and Heidi have settled in as the new pastor. Last Sunday morning was a very special service as the transfer of pastor duties and reponsibilities from Rev. Kimberland Hough to Rev. Seth Wetherald were made in a gracious ceremony.
I wish you could have been there as the Houghs and Wetheralds stood together at the front of the church and then as the church family shared their appreciation and welcome. On top of that, a brand new family with four children was sitting in the second to front seat because that was the pew available for their whole family. There very forty seven present and God's presence was very evident. The Houghs will be staying in the area for now and are a wonderful support to the new pastor.
We left Seth and Heidi yesterday after Saundy took Heidi for groceries since their car wouldn't start. It doesn't seem to like the cold weather.
Please Pray For:
Continue to pray for Bro. Sams and Bro. Sankey as they minister in the Philippines. May the power of the Holy Spirit be evident in their preaching. Ironwood needs a special touch from the Lord as they work through this time of transition. Please pray for them.
The new parsonage arrivals-- Dawn Valley and Vandercook --- that God will care from the mothers and babies.
Let us pray for revival in our churches!
Saundy and I are to fly to Tacoma, Washington, next week for an indoor 11 day camp. Please pray for me as I preach and it looks like we will be singing once in each service.
God bless each of you!
Blake E. Jones
We will join together as Bible Methodists around the throne of grace at one special time as designated below. Saturday afternoon for us will be Sunday morning for our Filipino church family. Let us lift our conferences, our churches, our leaders and our mission works to the Lord. This is a great privilege! Just think, we meet around one common mercy seat --- all at the same time! Please announce this and prepare a great prayer time for your church family.
Easter Weekend ---Saturday March 26
5pm EST
4pm CST & Mexico
12pm South Africa
5am Easter Sunday - Philippines
Bus and Outreach Convention
-March 8-10, 2005
-Union Bible College, Westfieild, Indiana
-A group of Great Lakes Conference pastors will be travelling to Westfield. We want to show our support when this great convention is brought to our area and, we want to glean new passion and tools for winning the lost. We will be sharing the cost of the gas money and a small donation to the people who are allowing us to use their home. PLEASE HELP YOUR PASTOR ATTEND THIS VERY IMPORTANT CONVENTION. We have minimized the cost as much as possible by traveling together and not using motels.
Around the Conference
-Pastor Brian Bailey has just returned from a tour to the Holy Land with a group from Hobe Sound. He has stories and more stories!!! I am looking forward to hearing him preach with the "I have been there" fire.
-Muskegon/Sparta church family are expecting to move to their new property in about a month. They have located a lovely home with a meeting room and acreage on the highway between Grand Rapids and Muskegon. Please pray that God will bless and impact their community.
-Pastor Tom Miller (Youth Pastor at Concord) has moved into his home, however, he is needing work. Please pray for his ministry and his family.
-Pastor Jon Watters has been asked to participate as a committee member for Heath and Sex Education Cirriculum. This committee will recommend the guidelines for Concord Public Schools K-12th grades. Presently the middle school is using Focus on the Family materials. Please lift Bro. Watters in prayer as he serves in this capacity.
-The Ironwood Church is enjoying the ministry of UBC ministerial students and the Lord has been blessing the services. Please pray for God's continued guidance.
-Pastor Seth Wetherald is getting aquainted with the Garfield family and community. For these winter months they have moved the midweek service into the parsonage. The Houghs are a great blessing and support during this transition time. It was our privilege to share in the installation service and, also, to honor the Houghs for their years of service.
-The newest parsonage babies are doing well -- little miss Byer at Dawn Valley, and young master Hilling at Vandercook.
-Please pray for the Lepages and the challenge of a pioneer work in Sault Ste. Marie. We are in critical need of God's leadership.
Conference Trustee Meeting
-March 12, 2005 --- 10 a.m. at the camp ground -members ---Dennis Johnson (Chairman), Blake Jones, George Kelley, Dewey Murray, Paul Derscheid, Nate Burley, John Langstaff.
Campmeeting 2005
July 15-24 -Evangelist -Dr. Wingrove Taylor -Rev. Jack Hooker
-Song Evangelist --due to a cancellation we are still working with this.
-REGISTRAR -Rev. Chris Hilling -PH 517-784-3074
The Conference Executive Committee met to prepare the list of campmeeting workers. The following is that list. Please contact Conference President, Blake Jones, if you are not able to fulfill the duty assigned to you.
Registrar -Rev. Chris Hilling
Prayer Leader -Dr. Linda Kelley
Prayer and Praise -Rev. Mike Hobbs (Sunday 9-10 a.m.)
Camp Ground Co-ord. -Mr. Paul Derscheid
Office Manager -Rev. Daniel Hobbs
Youth Leader -Mr. Doug Derscheid
Cook -Mrs. Janene Emery
Cook's Asst -appointed by cook
Breakfast Cook -Mrs. Kandee Rodgers
Trailer Placement -Rev. Brian Bailey
Camp Maintenance -Mr. Albert Lowe, Mr Dale Beardslee, Mr. Steven George
Sanitation -Mr. and Mrs. Mike Gilbert
Tabernacle Custodian -Mr. Daniel Troyer
Hospitality Com. -Mrs. Brenda Tiede, Mrs. Theresa Lepage
Camp Nurse -Mrs. Carolyn Wilson
Head Ushers -Rev. Jon Watters, Rev. Joel Byer, Rev. Steven Oliver
Greeters -Rev. Kim Hough, Rev. Brian Bailey
PA and Duplication -Rev. Jeff Sumner, Mr. Harry Dove
Dining Hall Hospitality -Rev. and Mrs. Seth Wetherald
Dining Hall Co-ordinators -Mr. and Mrs. Ron McCormick, Mr. and Mrs. Nate Burley
Snack Bar -Mr. and Mrs. Dave Witten
Night Man -Mr. Dan Drake, Rev. Tom Miller, Doug Tiede
Personal Schedule
Saundy and I were privileged to fly to Tacoma, Washington, for an eleven day indoor camp. We have known the camp leaders, Rev. and Mrs. Paul Taylor for some time. It was a wonderful delight to be with them and to meet many new friends. We enjoyed the transparency and love of these dear people. It was a joy that Saundy and I will not soon forget. After the camp we visited the Seatle market and Mt. Rainier. Wow!!!!!l
After returning to Michigan, we hurried up to Seth and Heidi's to get Kenny and Derek. Saundy had been pretty homesick halfway through our stay. Then it was time to prepare for Marriage Matters in Sugarcreek, Ohio. We were to share in the final presentation of those two rich days. Our assignment was Marriage by Design -- Designed to Last. I had prepared a Powerpoint presentation and Saundy and I shared the speaking part. The Lord helped us.
After the Marriage Retreat we drove down to Cincinnati to get Cherie for her Winter Break. We were traveling home late on Friday evening when the fuel pump on the car died near Bowling Green. So... after nearly a couple of hours we were taken to a nearby motel and waited for the car to be repaired the next day. We were back on the road about two o'clock Saturday afternoon and headed for Michigan. The Lord blessed our day at Rock Lake on Sunday.
This Sunday I will be visiting the Greenville. A heavy snowfall cancelled my visit of a few weeks ago.
Let's move up close to the Lord. In cell group at Rock Lake last night, Bro. Card mentioned that he had heard Dr. Brown say that the scriptural terminology for what we call "cooling off", etc, is really that of "hardening our hearts". May the God of heaven help us to keep our hearts tender and sensitive to His nudges and checks.
God bless you all!
Blake and Saundy Jones
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Latest Update
January 25, 2005
Dear Update family,
Saundy and I will be flying to Washington for a camp meeting that will go over the next two Sundays. We will leave on Wednesday, January 26 and return on Wednesday, February 9th. As the Lord reminds you of us, please ask the Lord for His anointing to rest upon us as I preach and we do some singing.
Thank you for your support and participation in this ministry. God bless you.
Blake and Saundy Jones
January 18, 2005
Blake Jones, Conference President
bejones@nethawk.com Ph. (989) 427-3178
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brrrrrr!!! Wow, it is rather chilly! We returned yesterday from Garfield where Seth and Heidi have settled in as the new pastor. Last Sunday morning was a very special service as the transfer of pastor duties and reponsibilities from Rev. Kimberland Hough to Rev. Seth Wetherald were made in a gracious ceremony.
I wish you could have been there as the Houghs and Wetheralds stood together at the front of the church and then as the church family shared their appreciation and welcome. On top of that, a brand new family with four children was sitting in the second to front seat because that was the pew available for their whole family. There very forty seven present and God's presence was very evident. The Houghs will be staying in the area for now and are a wonderful support to the new pastor.
We left Seth and Heidi yesterday after Saundy took Heidi for groceries since their car wouldn't start. It doesn't seem to like the cold weather.
Please Pray For:
Continue to pray for Bro. Sams and Bro. Sankey as they minister in the Philippines. May the power of the Holy Spirit be evident in their preaching. Ironwood needs a special touch from the Lord as they work through this time of transition. Please pray for them.
The new parsonage arrivals-- Dawn Valley and Vandercook --- that God will care from the mothers and babies.
Let us pray for revival in our churches!
Saundy and I are to fly to Tacoma, Washington, next week for an indoor 11 day camp. Please pray for me as I preach and it looks like we will be singing once in each service.
God bless each of you!
Blake E. Jones
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
